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Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Q & A With Rhea Martin

Rhea
was born and raised in Long Beach and moved to Fresno to study sociology at CSU
Fresno. In high school she volunteered as a youth organizer with Californians
For Justice and in college was offered a position working for the Fresno office.
Since 2007, she’s organized youth around educational, social justice,
immigration and LGBTQ & gender justice, as well as institutional racism. She’s
served on the ACLU board - Fresno Chapter, Gay Central Valley's advisory board
and was one of the founding members of Fresno's Queer & Transgender People
of Color Community Group. She lives with her partner of 5 years, Michelle, and their
puppy Nova. Rhea spends time enjoying arts, culture, & the festivities offered
in the Tower District. She watches movies at the $3 theater, camps in the
Sequoia mountains & engages in transformative conversations with amazing
friends.

How long have you lived in the Central Valley?

Just over 10 years

Married/Single/Relationship Status?

Engaged

When did you come out as LGBT, or as a straight
ally?

Coming out is an ongoing process. I come out every
time I hold my partners hand in public; but to my parents I came out my
sophomore year of college - 8 years ago.

Something you like about yourself?

I’m a believer and a fighter for racial and social
justice.

Something you dislike about yourself?

I’m an over-thinker and fall victim to analysis
paralysis. I’m working to be more action-oriented.

Character trait in others that you most admire?

Being unafraid of confrontation. Assertiveness.

Character trait in others that you most dislike?

Materialism

What is your biggest regret?

I don’t believe in regrets!

What are you most passionate about?

Queer kids

Favorite thing to do in your free time?

Netflix…oops I mean, reading of course!

What makes you the happiest?

Traveling. When the different pieces of my life
come together: Spending time with my partner AND my family.

What are you, quite frankly, over?

Teaching white folks about racism.

What is your biggest challenge?

Making a life-plan and following through

Who is your favorite person to talk to?

Myself.

Name a person you know personally who has had the
biggest impact on you?

Janelle Ishida. She used to work for my
organization CFJ and now is a consultant/my supervisor. She is the wisest, most
brilliant person I know.

Name a person you don’t know who has had the
biggest impact on you?

bell hooks

Besides a phone, what piece of technology can you
not live without?

Is my car technology?

What superpower would you most like to have?

Ability to freeze time

Who
would you like to play you in a movie about your life?

Jill
Scott

What
is the best part of your day?

Coming
home to my dog and partner

What
have you overcome?

A
homophobic family. Over these past years they’ve grown SOO much and now
completely accept me. I heart them.

Where
your ideal place to live?

Long
Beach (hometown, family, beach, perfect weather)

What
words do you live by?

The
only thing you have power over in life is your own actions. Make them count.